§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary for the Home Department (1) on how many occasions over the longest and most convenient stated period of time four policemen with a black maria were called to arrest ratepayers for failing to pay their rates, in the Metropolitan Police district in general and the London Borough of Newham in particular;
(2) what is the general rule regarding the Metropolitan Police being used by private landlords and local authorities to enforce payment of rates; and how many police officers are employed on this type of work in the Metropolitan Police area.
§ Mr. SharplesThe Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, in pursuance of a statutory obligation, has attached 289 officers to magistrates' courts for the purpose, among others, of executing warrants, including warrants for the arrest of rate defaulters. Statistics of the kind sought by the hon. Member are not available.